25 of the best family cars in Australia

15 December 2023 By: Alex Forrest

We asked RAC members what they thought were good family cars. Here’s what you told us, plus some more options to consider.

Family cars and the jobs they do are as varied as the vastly different types of families they carry.

From one small dog to several small people and all their gear – the load-carrying duties of family cars are broad.

Nowadays, a similarly wide range of vehicles are available to do this job – in fact, it’d be quicker to point out which vehicles can’t be used as family cars. That really is an illustration of how much safer, more comfortable and more user-friendly cars have become.

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A twin-cab ute of 30 years ago is likely to have been only available with a manual transmission, be slow and heavy to drive, noisy, with a harsh ride and be less safe when compared to the family cars of the time such as the Ford and Holden station wagons.

Today, some twin cab utes have interiors and features that would have made a luxury saloon proud just a few years ago, and most are quite fuel efficient given their size and capability. These may be unwieldy on tight suburban streets, but for adventurous and sporty families who want that capability, it’s a small sacrifice.

Large SUVs – apart from Range Rovers – used to be utilitarian and unappealing as family cars, while small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 were only just getting started in the market.

Nowadays, twin-cab utes, small hatchbacks, medium-sized SUVs and large off-roaders are all used as family cars, while regular sedans and station wagons occupy a much smaller slice of the market.

Consumers have never had as much choice of family vehicles as they do now. And let’s not forget the range of technologies being used to power these vehicles. Fully electric SUVs are becoming more common, especially in small SUVs like the BYD Atto and Hyundai Kona.

Larger SUVs like the Toyota Kluger and RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are available as petrol/electric hybrids, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid that can run on pure electric power almost exclusively. Fully electric large SUVs can also be had but (currently) only by those with deep pockets.

Here are some family vehicles you told us you rated highly, along with some further options that we also think are well worth considering.

Small cars

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla remains a small car staple, with its durability and strong resale value keeping it in high demand as a used car.

A hard-wearing but well-appointed interior with good storage makes it popular, and all the above means you’ll rarely have trouble selling a Corolla. It can be had as a hybrid too, which is more responsive and lighter on fuel in city driving – that’s the one to get if you can afford it.

The current model has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. But that rating is set to expire in December 2024, after which the Corolla will need to be retested against current criteria.

Hyundai i30

Nowadays, Hyundai’s volume-selling cars such as the i30 are safe, well featured, drive well and critically, are priced just below its main rivals.

Tellingly, the i30 was the biggest-selling small car in 2023. The hatch version has a 395-litre cargo area, but it isn’t the biggest in the class. Bag hooks back there help keep your groceries from escaping. Isofix anchorages are on the outboard rear seats of all current i30 variants.

As with any small car, loading younger kids into child restraints will need mums and dads to bend down lower than an SUV would require. Like the Corolla, its ANCAP rating will expire in December 2024.

MG MG4

The all-electric MG4 is one of the most outstanding new cars launched in 2023, and this has been reflected in the sales figures since it launched in August. It’s the first low-cost EV that doesn’t feel like it is.

The infotainment system, build and finish and its sharp, rear drive handling all make it an easy to live with, cheap to run city car that really is a showcase of why EVs work so well as small city cars.

School runs and shopping centre carparks are where this will feel smart and nimble. The MG4’s seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is good for long-term ownership too.

Kia Cerato

Strength areas for the Cerato are affordability and convenience features such as three USB ports on the base model and four bottle and cup holders, making the Cerato especially family friendly. Other small cars have these, but the Cerato’s price of $28,290, with a seven-year warranty make it particularly appealing to families on tight budgets.

Spring for an extra $1500 and the Safety Pack brings a suite of gear including active cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and auto braking that senses cyclists – not bad and it’s still under $30,000.

Medium cars

Toyota Camry

Early Camry models and their Australian-built contemporaries were the default family car for generations, so it stands to reason that the current model Camry will still have plenty of appeal to families today.

There’s acres of rear legroom, and for its size it’s remarkably economical – even in the non-hybrid versions, but it does need 95 RON.

Not being an SUV, its low door openings make it easier for walking-age kids to get in themselves and the lower boot lip makes it easier to lift loads into the back. Servicing is cheap and resale is strong.

Mazda6

Unlike days of big-barge-like station wagons, most station wagons today have a sporty flavour with rakish roofs and low-profile tyres. The Mazda6 wagon is very much one of those, which may be handy when coming to a compromise on changing from an actual sports car.

Two USB ports in the rear centre armrests are a big plus. The boot in the wagon (506 litres) is only slightly bigger than in the sedan (474 litres), but the wagon’s will be easier to use.

The wagon’s lower cargo loading edge will also help with getting gear loaded easily.

Small SUVs

Hyundai Kona

The arrival of the all-new Kona in 2023 brought with it increases in cargo space and rear legroom, and the cleverly designed centre console area makes it easy for phones, coffee cups and other essential items to be neatly stowed together. Chest-height air vents for rear seat passengers on all models is a plus too.

The Kona is also available as a hybrid or in fully electric form. No ANCAP safety rating applies to it currently, but expect that to change soon.

Kia Seltos

The Seltos has an entry level price that’s below that of some small cars, while remaining big enough to handle bulky gear like prams, shopping and other family paraphernalia.

The Bluetooth phone connection is solid, and you can integrate your phone with Apple Carplay and Android Auto on all models – which can make life easier when on the go.

Both the 2.0-litre non-turbo and the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines are light drinkers. And don’t forget, you’ll also be covered by Kia’s seven-year warranty.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Looking for an easy-to-live-with car that’ll just do the job, blend in and have some pep when you need it? The Eclipse Cross is a certainly a contender on that front.

It’s got modern communications tech such as smartphone integration and critically it’s all so easy to use. It’s also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), so if you’d like to run on electricity most of the time, you can.

Rear visibility is a little restricted, but some may see that as a fair trade for the upswept styling.

Medium SUVs

Toyota RAV4

With a very small appetite for fuel, family-friendly interior design, good reliability, and proven resale value, it’s no wonder the RAV4 is a perennial favourite among consumers.

In WA, it was the biggest selling mid-sized SUV in 2023. Avoid the non-hybrid GX model though, which can be noisier, slower and thirstier than the hybrid RAV4s.

Higher spec RAVs will of course cost more, but they tend to be better value for the extra spend. But you’ll have to get in line – wait times on new RAV4s can be lengthy (especially for hybrid models) but worth it.

Subaru Forester

Another long-running mid-sized SUV favourite, the Forester sets itself apart from the pack with its innovative suite of safety technology called Eyesight.

Some of its features are common across other brands such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), but less common is the system’s dash-mounted camera which monitors the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction – both of which are par for the course in busy families.

All-wheel drive in every Forester model is a big plus. Hybrid versions arrived in 2020, but we’d recommend sticking with the petrol-only models, which are cheaper, hardly any thirstier and have a spare tyre.

BYD Atto 3

For small families looking to try an affordable, all-electric SUV, the BYD Atto 3 would be a reasonable start.

It’s already been selling in strong numbers, outselling the Kia Sportage and Nissan X-Trail by the end of November 2023. A quoted range of 345km for the standard model means that even with a real-world range of 300km, it won’t necessarily need to be charged every day.

The kids (and maybe even the adults) will love the very funky interior - especially the rotating central touchscreen - which would fulfil the EV expectations of many.

Mazda CX-5

If you’re not quite ready to give up your sporty hatchback but need a little more room for the extra trappings of family life, the Mazda CX-5 could help make the move to an SUV a little smoother.

It’s shorter, lower and wider than some other SUVs, enhancing its sporty leanings. But compared to a hatchback, the higher rear seat makes loading kids and their voluminous stuff easier. Interior fit and finish is excellent.

Go for the 2.5-litre turbo all-wheel drive, and you’ll find the extra practicality in a still-sporty little SUV will make it hard to go back to a little hatch.

Hyundai Tucson

Up-to-date technology and a very well though-out interior are among the calling cards of the Hyundai Tucson.

Levers in the boot – though not unique to the model – are very handy. Push-button gear selection instead of a gear lever frees up more space in the centre console area, and there’s more room in the boot than in a Mazda CX-5, but less than a RAV4.

The diesel with its load-lugging 416Nm of torque would be the pick of the Tucson engine options, followed by the 1.6-litre turbo. The 2.0-litre petrol is quiet at low speed under light loads but can get harsh when pushed to work a bit harder.

Kia Sportage

Being one of the longer and wider mid-size SUVs, the Kia Sportage is spacious inside. But like its twin-under-the-skin, the Hyundai Tucson, there’s a number of details that make it easy to live with.

These include a clever cupholder design with fold-away cup supports to make use of the space, a phone spot with USB-C charging front and rear.

Clever tech such as the dual-function climate control and infotainment buttons make the Sportage one of the most appealing mid-size SUVs on the market.

Mitsubishi Outlander

One of the largest vehicles in its class, the Outlander is also the second-biggest seller after the Toyota RAV4.

A primary reason for that is that it’s also affordably priced – so a lot of space for the money and one of the few mid-sizers that offer the option of seven seats. Especially given the cheapest seven-seater is $46,370 drive away.

Space isn’t big behind the third row, but the added flexibility comes in handy. The PHEV option is also available in the Outlander. Provided you have it serviced at a dealer, you get 10 years of warranty.

Large SUVs

Toyota Kluger

Most large SUVs have a third row of seats, but the Kluger does particularly well with its packaging by having the spare wheel under the floor and liberating a large area behind the third row. So no more squashing gear up against the seat backs when the third row is being used.

The Kluger’s interior is highly practical with good ventilation and storage throughout the cabin.

The V6 petrol engine in Klugers of old is now gone, replaced in December 2022 with a more economical 2.4-litre and a more torquey turbocharged four cylinder powerplant. Toyota’s hybrid system is also available.

Subaru Outback

With its refined and well finished interior, sharp pricing and full-time all-wheel drive on all models, the Outback is one of the understated bargains at $47,610.

The Outback’s big news in 2023 was the arrival of the turbo version, but that’s not essential – the 2.5-litre non-turbo is just fine.

It’s a five-seater only, but a great in-between sized vehicle if you want to avoid a giant SUV and associated bills, while getting a good-handling wagon that’s capable off road as well.

Hyundai Santa Fe

With the ability for the driver in a Santa Fe to use a front-mounted microphone to address only those in the third row of seats, it’s clear its designers had some good insight into how families work. It’s called Driver Talk.

There’s less space behind the third row than in the Kluger, but it’s useable and acceptable given the lower entry price.

Go for the diesel all-wheel drive or the excellent hybrid for better wet road grip, more even tyre wear and lighter fuel consumption.

Kia Sorento

Higher spec variants of the Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Kluger all have front seat cooling, which draws air in through the seat upholstery. They’re quite effective, and a luxury during WA’s boiling summers.

The Sorento, as with the Santa Fe, is available with safe exit assist, which helps avoid accidents when car doors are opened as traffic is approaching from behind.

The Sorento can also be had as a plug-in hybrid, but at $89,360 you’ll need to be saving a lot of fuel to break even.

Large 4WDs

Toyota Prado

Widely regarded in some circles primarily as a platform for parading Rottnest Channel Swim number plates, the Prado is also one of the best vehicles for touring the outback and is an excellent off-roader straight out of the box.

Next to the 300 Series Landcruiser, it’s good value for those reasons. The Prado’s 2.8-litre diesel is economical given the almost 2.5-tonne kerb weight, but it has to work hard when loaded up.

The interior is spacious and well finished, but the overall design could do with an update – which is coming in mid-2024 with the all-new Prado.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

If you’re after a vehicle that’s as capable as a 4x4 ute but has a wagon rear end rather than an open tray, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a great start.

The Pajero Sport is priced approximately $4500 more than the equivalent Triton ute (where GLS 4x4 variants are compared), but also $17,000 less than the cheapest Prado, and the Pajero Sport is rated to tow 100kg more.

We don’t recommend ever towing at near a vehicle’s rated limit, but that’s good to know. The Pajero Sport comes as a seven-seater, but the third is tight.

Ford Everest

The Everest is markedly more refined than the Pajero Sport, but you’ll pay for it as well – about $10,000 extra where entry level models are compared.

The Everest’s interior is very well appointed and has plenty of storage spots for drink containers. USB-A and USB-C device charging options are in the front and second row seating areas.

The Everest’s handing is excellent for this vehicle type, and the fact it can be optioned with a V6 adds appeal for those who want more grunt.

Dual cab utes

Ford Ranger

There is absolutely no doubt that dual cab utes – the Ranger being a great example – have improved in their safety credentials, user-friendliness, comfort and technology to the point where they’ve become viable family vehicles too.

The current Ranger exemplifies this and is one of the most high-tech and polished pick-ups on the Australian market.

Its ride and handling are excellent for a dual cab ute, which is to say a good large SUV will still do better in these areas. But for many that’s a small price to pay for the other benefits.

With five-star safety, convenient interior storage spots and thoughtful additions like a sidestep behind the rear wheels, this is quite a family-friendly ute.

Toyota Hilux

As Australia’s best-selling vehicle for the seven years up to 2022, the Hilux remains the vehicle of choice for many industry fleets and hard-working tradies. But Hiluxes are also chosen by suits in utes and is the pick-up for school drop-offs and pick-ups everywhere.

The Hilux is about to get start-stop engine technology too, so idling the diesel near schools may be reduced. The start-stop tech will be enabled by a 48-volt mild hybrid technology which Toyota expects will bring an improvement in fuel economy of about 10 per cent.

Regular versions of the Hilux have a five-star ANCAP rating (the GR Sport isn’t rated).